Master of Technical and Scientific Communication at Miami University

Important Note: 11/2009

We are sorry to report that, because of changing economic and other conditions in the university, the department and other university officials have agreed to suspend the MTSC program at this time. It is unlikely that the program will admit students again in the near future. If you have questions about the closure of the program, please don’t hesitate to direct them to Dr. Kerry Powell, Chair, Department of English.

Technical and scientific communication is a diverse and well-established discipline with
many opportunities for graduates. Technical and scientific communicators help
specialists in many fields communicate with a variety of audiences. Some inform
specialists in a particular scientific or technical field about the accomplishments
of other specialists. Others make technical and scientific information understandable
and useful to customers, corporate executives, legislators,
and the public. Miami’s program trains communicators in the nuances of language and persuasion, in digital and print media, and in project management. The MTSC at Miami prepares students to work in the settings they choose.

Technical and scientific
communicators work for business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
Some work as freelancers, while some work for consulting firms that create technical
and scientific communications for other organizations.

What is Miami’s Master of Technical and Scientific Communication program like?

Miami University
offers a graduate degree program leading to the Master’s of Technical and Scientific
Communication (MTSC). The MTSC program emphasizes a problem-solving approach
to communicating and managing information on specialized subjects. Its purpose
is to prepare students for careers in which they’ll help professionals in scientific,
technical, and other fields communicate their knowledge clearly and effectively.
This web site describes the MTSC program and provides more information on technical
communication.

What are the special features of Miami’s MTSC program?

The MTSC program is practice-oriented, based in theory, and focused on technology.
Throughout, the curriculum focuses on professional practice. However,
practical communication problems are grounded in theory, especially rhetorical
principles. You may prepare your assignments in a technical and scientific
computer laboratory, using equipment and software used in the professional
world. A semester-long internship is an importmant component of the program.

The program
takes a broad, problem-solving approach. You will study all apects of
the communication process, from defining objectives through planning, drafting,
testing, revising, producing, and evaluating the communication. The strategies
the program teaches are applicable to communication problems in a variety
of media.

The program
prepares you for management responsibilities. In a special seminar, you
study strategies for managing publication projects, policies, and departments.

The program’s
curriculum is interdisciplinary. The program’s eight required courses
are taught in two departments: communication and English. Three required graduate
electives may be taken in a variety of fields, depending on your career objectives
and content area. The student population also comes from diverse disciplines,
such as the environmental sciences, computer technologies, chemistry, English,
and medical technology.

The coursework
is individualized. You may tailor your course of study to your interests
and career objectives. To ensure that each student receives substantial attention
from the faculty, Miami admits a maximum of fifteen students each year.

The program
offers graduate assistantships. Five MTSC teaching assistantships and
one computer laboratory assistantship are available on a competitive basis
each year. Assitantships and other forms of financial aid are also available throughout the University and through the financial
aid office.

Who should apply?

The MTSC program is
well suited to anyone with the interest and ability to pursue a career in technical
and scientific communication, regardless of undergraduate major. Among the majors
that provide good preparation for the program are:

natural and
social science, engineering, computer science, and other technical fields

English and other humanities

business

art, journalism,
film, and other communication fields.

The MTSC program
is open to people who have not studied deeply in science or technology. However,
in order to graduate, you must possess a minimum level
of technical knowledge appropriate for the career you plan. This knowledge can
be achieved in your undergraduate studies or in supplementary undergraduate
courses you take here at Miami.

The MTSC program
is also well suited to the needs of professional technical and scientific communicators,
especially those wishing to expand their career opportunities. Although some
MTSC graduates will apply for entry-level positions in the profession, the program
aims to help all of its graduates advance rapidlyincluding those who have
started their careers before entering the program. The program also welcomes
applications from those changing careers as well as those who would like to
pursue post-graduate study in technical and scientific communication.

What are the opportunities for MTSC graduates?

There are numerous
job opportunities available for MTSC graduates. Currently, there is substantial
demand for people trained at the graduate level to communicate technical, scientific,
and other specialized knowledge. The positions held by MTSC students and graduates
reflect the many roles for which the program prepares students.